Stop spreading those rumors around

What have we, what have we, what have we done to deserve this?

While glancing at the headlines on the Shanghaiist Forum yesterday, one headline jumped out at us: Pet Shop Boys. We have to say we were mildly interested: One, Pet Shop Boys are past their prime enough to make a show in Shanghai seem realistic; Two, we are not ashamed to admit that 20 years ago we spent a fair amount of time on the middle school dance floor getting down to "It's a Sin," "Always on My Mind" and "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" The forum listing didn't include a link to any Web page, so we Googled the phone number that appeared in the posting. First hit was Piao.cn and from that page you can easily navigate to the Pet Shop Boys Shanghai Show page. There you will see that the lads from London are supposed to be playing Rojam on May 2. Perfect.

One problem: Every other site we looked at (including the official Pet Shop Boys site) places the band in Tallinn, Estonia, on May 2. And we highly doubt they are planning on canceling that gig to squeeze in a Shanghai performance between Oslo and Riga.

Does this mean the Pet Shop Boys are never coming to Shanghai. No. They will be appearing "in the region" (Australia) at the end of March and in early April. So maybe someone wants them to come. Maybe they have been invited. But why go public with May 2? Who knows. Definitely not the girl we talked to at Piao.cn:

Us: I am calling about the Pet Shop Boys.

Her: Yes.

Us: What date are they playing in Shanghai?

Her: May 2.

Us: Why does the band's website say they will be performing in Eastern Europe on May 2.

Her: I don't know. Yesterday, my boss told me that Pet Shop Boys will play Shanghai.

Us: But why does your website say May 2?

Her: Maybe they have a show in Shanghai but the date and time are to be determined. If you give me your name and phone number, we can contact you when we have information.

If you remember, Piao.cn was also behind the Linkin Park rumors. They claimed the band was playing Shanghai Stadium on April 14. Turns out it is Korean star Rain who is playing the stadium that day. Maybe when Piao.cn hears that a big venue has been booked, they just pick an artist name out of a hat and run with it?

Whatever the method, it's bad for business. Consumers don't know what shows are real and what aren't and then just lose faith in the whole ticketed live music scene — the legit promoters suffer. And it doesn't help when local media repeat the rumors without the appropriate skepticism.

In an effort to separate fact from fiction, here is short list of Shanghai gigs you might have an interest in that appear to be more than just rumor at this point:

• Bugz in the Attic ... this Thursday ... part of the Bacardi Sino Sessions ... Win tickets from Shanghaiist!
• Ziggy Marley (3.27), Kenny G (3.29), The Roots (4.17). All at Yun Feng Theater. Buy tickets here. More info here.
• Sonic Youth at Shanghai Concert Hall on April 24. The band is talking about it. We are talking about it. And the promoter is waiting for one tiny thing:

  Sonic Youth are coming, but you must be patient!! We are still waiting for government approval for this show.

• Live Earth (7.7.07). Al Gore's "Concert for a Climate in Crisis," with shows on all seven continents (Antarctica?), is reportedly coming to Shanghai (see here and here and here is what we already told you about it). We don't know a venue (although it wouldn't surprise us if the Pudong skyline was somewhere in the background) and we don't know who is performing (although, of course, there are rumors). We wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being Jay Chou and Wang Lee Hom. Stay tuned.